It was a record-breaking summer at Saratoga.
The Saratoga Race Course produced an all-time high $815.5 million in wagering handle during its 40-day summer meet.
The previous record was $705.3 million set in 2019.
The New York Racing Association made the announcement in a news release this week.
With Covid-19 restrictions lifted, fans flock to Saratoga
Saratoga Race Course went back over the 1 million mark.
The average attendance was 26,162.
Fans were not permitted last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The course had drawn over 1 million fans in five straight years before then.
The average daily handle was a record $20.4 million, the first time it has ever eclipsed the $20 million mark.
According to the release, nearly 1.1 million viewers tuned in to watch the Runhappy Travers on FOX. Essential Quality took home the victory.
“Thanks to the energy, enthusiasm and support of the best fans in horse racing, the 2021 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course has been a tremendous success,” NYRA president and CEO Dave O’Rourke said in the release.
“This has been a summer reunion like never before, and we’re especially pleased that the return of fans has translated into strong business for downtown Saratoga Springs and the entire Capital Region community. The summer meet at Saratoga is as strong as at any point in its storied history.”
Racinos still valuable for New York
New York’s racino racetracks posted a 2021-best $200.7 million net win in July. It followed that up with a $190 million net win in August.
